Bte/cic auditory device with an at least partially in canal module having a removable cushion tip

ABSTRACT

In representative embodiments, the present invention is directed to an at least partially in-the-canal module. The module may include a speaker module that generates audio signals from an electrical driving signal. The speaker module has a tubular body with a diameter that is smaller than the ear canal of the user. The speaker module also includes an arcuate raised ridge. A cushion tip of deformable material may be used to enclose the speaker module within a tubular portion that applies an elastic force to the arcuate raised ridge to prevent removal of the speaker from the cushion tip. Also, the tubular portion is longer than the speaker module to cause the cushion tip to deflect during navigation through the canal. Further, the tip portion of the cushion tip possesses sufficient structural rigidity to prevent the speaker from being pushed through the cushion tip during navigation through the canal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation claiming priority benefit ofco-pending and commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/376,912 filed Mar. 16, 2006 and entitled “BTE/CIC AUDITORY DEVICEWITH AN AT LEAST PARTIALLY IN CANAL MODULE HAVING A REMOVABLE CUSHIONTIP,” which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/651,879 filed Aug. 29, 2003 and entitled “A BTE/CIC AUDITORY DEVICEAND MODULAR CONNECTOR SYSTEM THEREFOR,” which is a Continuation-in-Partof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/927,891 entitled “A BTE/CICAUDITORY DEVICE AND MODULAR CONNECTOR SYSTEM THEREFOR,” filed Aug. 10,2001, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to auditory devices, and particularlyto a hybrid behind-the-ear (BTE)/completely-in-canal (CIC) auditorydevice and a modular connector system therefor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional earpiece auditory devices (e.g., earphones, headphones,headsets, monitors, IFB devices, hearing aids, earplugs, etc.) are oftenbulky and uncomfortable for a user to wear. In addition, typically,these devices are cosmetically undesirable. For example, generally, useof one of these conventional devices may be easily discovered throughcasual observation of the user. However, in some circumstances, usersmay not want others to know they are using an earpiece auditory device.For example, oftentimes hearing aid users do not want others to knowthey are using such devices. As another example, news anchors using IFBdevices may not want the device to be seen on camera. Moreover, use of abulky and noticeable earpiece auditory device may potentially have moreserious consequences. For example, a bulky, noticeable earpiece auditorydevice may put plain-clothed security personnel at risk of beingdiscovered.

To overcome these problems, earpiece auditory devices have beendeveloped wherein the entire device may be placed behind the ear of theuser or within the ear of the user. However such devices, althoughpossibly reducing some of the conspicuousness of the device, createtheir own set of problems.

For example, placing an auditory device within the outer portion of anear canal of a user may cause the user to experience the occlusioneffect, which is a plugged sensation that results when the ear canal isblocked and air conduction is impeded by the introduction of at least aportion of an earpiece auditory device into the outer portion of the earcanal. The ear canal (sometimes referred to as the external auditorymeatus) has two zones: an outer zone and an inner zone. The outer zone,sometimes referred to as the cartilaginous region, makes upapproximately two-thirds of the total length of the ear canal. The innerzone, referred to as the bony portion, accounts for the remaining onethird of the length of the ear canal. The earlier mentioned pluggedsensation is the result of the acoustic energy created by the vibrationof the walls of the outer portion of the ear canal in response to a boneconducted signal. H. Gustav Mueller, “CIC Hearing Aids” What Is TheirImpact On The Occlusion Effect?”, The Hearing Journal, Vol. 47, No. 11,p. 29-35 (November 1994). This energy typically escapes when the carcanal is at least partially open. However, unfortunately, when anearpiece auditory device of sufficient size is placed in the outerportion of the ear canal, at least a portion of this energy is trappedin the user's ear, thereby causing the above described pluggedsensation. In some existing earpiece auditory devices, a vent(s) orother means whereby bone-conducted energy may escape the ear canal isprovided (e.g., the device is designed to leave the ear canal at leastpartially open), thereby minimizing or even eliminating the occlusioneffect.

In addition, certain of the existing earpiece auditory devices (of boththe behind the ear and within the ear or ear canal varieties) experiencefeedback problems. For example, some conventional earpiece auditorydevices are designed with a microphone and speaker mounted to the samehousing. As a result of such a design, the microphone and speaker aremechanically coupled to each other. One notably undesirable consequenceof this mechanical coupling is electroacoustic feedback. Furthermore, insome conventional earpiece auditory devices, irrespective of themounting of such components, a microphone and speaker of the device aresituated in such close proximity to each other that feedback occurs. Theabove discussed feedback problems increase as the gain of the auditorydevice increases. As a result, the gain of such auditory devices arelimited by the electroacoustic feedback.

In the past, efforts have been made to reduce such electroacousticfeedback by, e.g., physically separating the microphone and the speakerused in such devices. For example, The Volta Review January 1980, pp.40-44, describes a hearing aid in which the receiver is separated fromthe main body of the aid and mounted in an ear mold that in turn isplaced in the user's ear.

While such a design may result in reduced electroacoustic feedback, itwould be commercially unacceptable. One reason for this is, similar toearlier discussions, the user will experience the occlusion effect onaccount of the introduction of the ear mold into the outer portion ofthe user's ear canal.

In addition to the above, existing earpiece auditory devices aretypically designed such that the electrical components of the device(e.g, the speaker, receiver, microphone, etc., or whichever of suchcomponents are included in the particular device) are coupled to eachother via some fixed connection. For example, in at least one instance,a speaker of an earpiece auditory device is electrically coupled (eitherdirectly or indirectly) to a microphone, processing circuitry, and/or atransceiver of a device via some form of fixed wiring. Such fixed wiringis typically done because of the protection from moisture or otherundesirable elements that such fixed wiring normally provides toelectrical couplings. In addition, fixed wiring is used because itoccupies little of the scarce device space.

However, as a result of such fixed couplings, assembly of the devicesand/or replacement of defective or expired parts is normally costly,time-consuming, and/or burdensome. To illustrate, currently, when someelement of an earpiece auditory device needs to be replaced (e.g., apart has expired or is defective), in most circumstances, the user mustreturn the device to the manufacturer or send the device to a repairlab.

Moreover, in some circumstances, at the manufacturer or the repair lab,the device must be taken apart, the defective or expired part(s)carefully removed, and a replacement part or parts inserted into thedevice and fixed (e.g., soldered) into place. Under such a process, itis usually several days or weeks before the auditory device is returnedto the user.

In addition, for some earpiece auditory devices (e.g., some hearingaids, some ear plugs), at least a portion of the earpiece auditorydevice is normally manufactured to the specific dimensions of aparticular user's ear structure and/or the user's intended use for theearpiece auditory device, as determined during a fitting of the user bya technician, representative, salesperson, etc. Although there are someadvantages to this procedure (e.g., providing a desired fit to aparticular user), one notable disadvantage to customizing these devicesin this manner, at least to a manufacturer, is that such devices canthen not be mass produced.

Furthermore, another disadvantage of this customizing of portions ofearpiece auditory devices to a particular customer's ear shape is thatif, upon delivery to the user, it is discovered that the fit of theauditory device is deficient in some manner, as was the case withreplacing defective or expired parts, replacement of the ill-fittingearpiece is costly, time-consuming, and burdensome.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In representative embodiments, the present invention is directed to anat least partially in-the-canal module. The module may include a speakermodule that generates audio signals from an electrical driving signal.The speaker module has a tubular body with a diameter that is smallerthan the ear canal of the user. The speaker module also includes anarcuate raised ridge. A cushion tip of deformable material may be usedto enclose the speaker module within a tubular portion that applies anelastic force to the arcuate raised ridge to prevent removal of thespeaker from the cushion tip. Also, the tubular portion is longer thanthe speaker module to cause the cushion tip to deflect during navigationthrough the canal. Further, the tip portion of the cushion tip possessessufficient structural rigidity to prevent the speaker from being pushedthrough the cushion tip during navigation through the canal.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technicaladvantages of the present invention in order that the detaileddescription of the invention that follows may be better understood.Additional features and advantages of the invention will be describedhereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. Itshould be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conceptionand specific embodiments disclosed may be readily utilized as a basisfor modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the samepurposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by thoseskilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart fromthe spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appendedclaims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic ofthe invention, both as to its organization and method of operation,together with further objects and advantages will be better understoodfrom the following description when considered in connection with theaccompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, thateach of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration anddescription only and is not intended as a definition of the limits ofthe present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and theadvantages thereof, reference is made to the following descriptionstaken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 depicts an exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment ofan earpiece auditory device in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an assembled portion of thedevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts another exemplary embodiment of an earpiece auditorydevice in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an unassembled portion of an exemplary embodiment of anearpiece auditory device in accordance with the present inventionwherein a speaker is at least partially disposed within a speakerfastener;

FIG. 5 depicts an unassembled portion of an exemplary embodiment of anearpiece auditory device in accordance with the present invention priorto a speaker being at least partially disposed within a speakerfastener;

FIG. 6A depicts an exemplary embodiment of at least a portion of theelements of a processing module;

FIG. 6B depicts another exemplary embodiment of at least a portion ofthe elements of a processing module;

FIG. 7 depicts an exemplary embodiment of another assembled portion thedevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an unassembled portion of thedevice of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 whenassembled;

FIG. 10A depicts an exploded isometric view of a second exemplaryembodiment of an earpiece auditory device in accordance with the presentinvention;

FIG. 10B depicts an exemplary embodiment of a connector and a processingmodule of FIG. 10A prior to coupling;

FIG. 10C depicts an exemplary embodiment of a connector and a processingmodule of FIG. 10B after coupling;

FIG. 11A depicts an exemplary embodiment of at least a portion of theelements of a processing module of the device of FIG. 10A;

FIG. 11B depicts a second exemplary embodiment of at least a portion ofthe elements of a processing module of the device of FIG. 10A;

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate a potentially disposable link module integralwith a speaker module 1212, in accordance with an alternative embodimentof the present invention;

FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate a universal tip module detachablyinterconnectable with a speaker module, in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention;

FIGS. 14A-14B illustrate the assembly of a link module and a universaltip module into a behind-the-ear/completely-in-canal (BTE/CIC) earpieceauditory device embodiment, including BTE processing module, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention;

FIGS. 15A-15B depict a further embodiment of CIC/BTE earpiece auditorydevice, including a link module incorporating a custom ear mold fastenedby a detachable locking pin;

FIGS. 15C-15F illustrate details of the detachable locking pin assemblyembodiment used in the link module embodiment of FIGS. 15A-15B;

FIGS. 16A-16B depict an alternative earpiece auditory device, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention, having a customear mold directly encapsulated onto a link module;

FIG. 17 depicts an anatomical view of the ear canal;

FIG. 18 depicts a disposable speaker unit according to representativeembodiments;

FIG. 19 depicts a cushion tip according to representative embodiments;and

FIG. 20 depicts the disposable speaker unit of FIG. 18 and the cushiontip of FIG. 19 within an ear canal according to representativeembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the hearing aid of the '621 application has twocomponents: a BTE component and a CIC component. Preferably, thesecomponents are mechanically isolated from each other. The BTE component,which is worn behind the ear, preferably includes at least a microphone.In one embodiment, the BTE also includes a power source, and soundprocessing circuitry (e.g., amplifiers, compressors, filters, etc.).Meanwhile, the CIC component is preferably shaped to fit into the earcanal of the patient in such a manner as to touch the bony portion ofthe ear canal. In one embodiment, the CIC component contains a speaker,the speaker preferably being operatively connected to the soundprocessing circuitry of the BTE component. In a preferred embodiment ofthe '621 application, because the BTE and CIC components aremechanically isolated from each other, electroacoustic feedback isgreatly reduced. Additionally, because in a preferred embodiment, theCIC component is located so deep in the patient's ear canal as to touchthe bony portion, the hearing aid does not cause the patient toexperience the occlusion effect.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention expands upon the designof the hearing aid(s) disclosed in the '621 application. FIG. 1 depictsan exploded isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a BTE/CICearpiece auditory device of the present invention. In the embodiment ofFIG. 1, earpiece auditory device 40 includes completely-in-canal unit10, connector 20, and behind-the-ear unit 30. Preferably, when in use,behind-the-ear unit 30 is placed behind an ear of a user, whilecompletely-in-canal unit 10 is inserted so deep into the user's earcanal as to touch the bony portion of the ear canal.

According to the illustrated embodiment, completely-in-canal unit 10includes ear mold 11. Preferably, ear mold 11 is at least partiallyhollow on the inside. In one embodiment, completely-in-canal unit 10also includes speaker receiving member 12, preferably at a first end ofmold 11. Speaker receiving member 12 may be part of ear mold 11 itselfor may be attached thereto (e.g., through an adhesive, screws, adetachable coupling, or some other fastening means). In someembodiments, receiving member 12 comprises a plate that includes opening18. Furthermore, in one embodiment, member 12 also includes one or morespeaker fastening grooves (e.g, groove 16). In addition to or in lieu ofthe above, in some embodiments, speaker receiving member 12 includes oneor more mounting holes for receiving screws and/or other fastening means(e.g., mounting hole 9).

Ear mold 11 and/or speaker receiving member 12 may be made from hardmaterial (e.g., acrylics), soft material (e.g., silicones or foammaterial), or some combination thereof. In one embodiment where mold 11is made from hard material, at least a portion of the mold is coveredwith a foam boot or slip. The foam boot or slip may be fastened to mold11 by numerous fastening means to include an adhesive, friction, screws,etc. Receiving member 12 may be made from the same or different materialthan that of ear mold 11.

The illustrated size and shape of ear mold 11 shown in FIG. 1 is by wayof example only, for ear mold 11 may be of various different sizes andshapes, to include the dimensions of a particular user's ear (e.g., theear mold may be customized/tailored to a particular user). Ear mold 11may also be such that it provides a universal fit that is satisfactoryfor a number of users. For example, at least a portion of mold 11 may bemade from foam (or similar material) or covered with a foam slip (orlike component), either of which is able to change shape (e.g., expand,compress, deform) to meet the dimensions of the user's inner and/orouter ear. In addition, ear mold 11 may be transparent, translucent, oropaque, or some combination thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, ear mold 11 is of a particular size and shapesuch that completely-in-canal unit 10 may be placed so deep into auser's ear canal as to touch the bony portion of the user's hearingcanal. In one embodiment, the ability to produce a completely-in-canalunit of a sufficient size to place the unit so deep into the user's earcanal as to touch the bony portion is facilitated, at least in part, bylimiting the number of elements included in completely-in-canal unit 10.

Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, in addition to ear mold 11,completely-in-canal unit 10 includes speaker 13. Any speaker suitablefor use in an earpiece auditory device may be used as speaker 13 (e.g.,earpiece device speakers available from Knowles Electronics, Inc.). Itwill be appreciated that the speaker of an earpiece auditory device isalso known in the art as a “receiver”. The term “speaker” is used hereto avoid confusion with other possible components of device 40 describedin detail below.

In some embodiments, in addition to the above, completely-in-canal unit10 includes speaker fastener 14. Speaker fastener 14 may be made fromany one of numerous suitable materials to include plastics and/ormetals. In one embodiment, speaker fastener 14 includes one or moreprojections (e.g., projection 15). Moreover, in some embodiments, one ormore of the projections of speaker fastener 14 include appendage 19.Furthermore, in one embodiment, in addition to or in lieu of the above,speaker fastener 14 includes one or more mounting holes (e.g., mountinghole 8) for securing speaker fastener 14 to ear mold 11 and/or receivingmember 12 using screws or other fastening means.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration of fastener 14 is such thatat least a portion of speaker 13 fits within an area, at leastpartially, defined by fastener 14. For example, in one embodiment, aspart of assembling device 40, speaker 13 is, at least partially,disposed within space 17 (as shown in FIG. 4). As can be in FIG. 5,space 17 is, at least partially, defined by a surface of speakerfastener 14. In the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5, the projection(s) offastener 14 may help guide speaker 13 into space 17.

In some embodiments, speaker 13 is communicatively (e.g., electrically)and/or physically coupled to speaker fastener 14. Speaker 13 andfastener 14 may be fixedly coupled, such as the hard-wire couplingdepicted in FIG. 1. On the other hand, speaker 13 and fastener 14 may bedetachably coupled, e.g., through the detachable electrical hole andprong arrangement shown in FIG. 5. In some embodiments (e.g., theembodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5), at least a portion of speaker fastener 14acts as a guard to protect the communicative coupling between speaker 13and speaker fastener 14 from one or more undesirable elements (e.g.,cerumen, moisture, and the like) that may be present in the environmentin which speaker 13 and fastener 14 are used. Accordingly, preferably insuch embodiments, speaker fastener 14 facilitates an insulatedcommunicative coupling between speaker 13 and fastener 14.

As mentioned, preferably, ear mold 11 is at least partially hollow onthe inside. Accordingly, in one embodiment, ear mold 11 may receiveinternally one or more other elements of device 40. In some embodiments,at least a portion of speaker fastener 14, along with speaker 13, whichmay be partially disposed therein, are passed through opening 18 inreceiving member 12 and into ear mold 11 (e.g., the assembled portion ofdevice 40 shown in FIG. 2). Similar to earlier discussions, in apreferred embodiment, speaker 13 and/or speaker fastener 14 are of aparticular size and shape such that when speaker 13 and/or speakerfastener 14 are coupled to ear mold 11, the assembly of ear mold 11,speaker 13, and/or speaker fastener 14 may be placed so deep into auser's ear canal as to touch the bony portion of the user's ear canal.

Moreover, in one embodiment, speaker fastener 14 and/or speaker 13, aresecurely (and, in one embodiment, detachably) coupled to ear mold 11and/or receiving member 12. In some embodiments, such a secure(preferably detachable) connection is facilitated by the projection(s)of fastener 14 engaging the fastening groove(s) of receiving member 12.In one of these embodiments, appendage 19 of the projection(s) engagesthe fastening groove(s). In addition to or in lieu of the above, speakerfastener 14 and/or speaker 13 may be secured to ear mold 11 and/orspeaker receiving member 12 by passing at least a portion of a screw(s)or other fastening means through the mounting holes of receiving member12 and speaker fastener 14 (e.g., the assembled portion of FIG. 2). In apreferred embodiment, the coupling between fastener 14, ear mold 11,and/or receiving member 12 is of sufficient strength such that unit 10may be removed from the user's ear canal by pulling on connector 20.

Accordingly, speaker 13, fastener 14, receiving member 12, and/or earmold 11 can be securely fastened together. However, in some embodiments,some or all of these elements can also be conveniently attached to anddetached from each other, thus allowing for convenient and easy assemblyand/or disassembly of earpiece device 40, as well as allowing for thereplacement of any inoperative, defective, or otherwise unsatisfactoryparts with relative ease.

For instance, if speaker 13 fails for some reason (e.g., speaker 13 isdefective or the speaker simply becomes inoperative (a common earpieceauditory device malady)), in one embodiment, connector plate 14, withspeaker 13 disposed therein, may be detached from ear mold 11, e.g., bydepressing portions of ear mold 11, member 12, and/or fastener 14,thereby releasing the appendages of fastener 14, and pulling fastener 14from ear mold 11. In addition to or in lieu of the above, in oneembodiment, speaker connector plate 14 is detached from ear mold 11and/or receiving member 12 by removing screws coupling fastener 14 toreceiving member 12.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, after its removal from the inside ofmold 11, speaker 13 may be separated from fastener 14 through theapplication of a pulling force (e.g., where speaker 13 and fastener 14are coupled via a hole and prong arrangement). Thereafter, in oneembodiment, the replacement speaker may be coupled to fastener 14 bypressing the electrical prongs of fastener 14 into the receiving holesof the replacement speaker (or vice versa). Then, in some embodiments,speaker fastener 14, and the attached replacement speaker, may be passedthrough receiving member 12 until the appendages of fastener 14 engagethe grooves of receiving member 12.

In one embodiment, completely-in-canal unit 10 has an open moldconfiguration, meaning the ear canal of a user is at least partiallyopen when completely-in-canal unit 10 is inserted so deep into theuser's ear canal as to touch the bony portion. Moreover, in someembodiments, completely-in-canal unit 10 (e.g., ear mold 11) includes avent(s) by which sound waves may pass over and/or through unit 10. In anembodiment of completely-in-canal unit 10 wherein unit 10 includes avent(s), unit 10 also includes a filter to keep cerumen, dirt, moisture,and other undesirable elements from entering it 10.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the dimensions of a surface of receivingmember 12 are such that member 12 may be flush with a surface of earmold 11 (as an example, the assembled portion of device 40 shown in FIG.2). Moreover, in one embodiment, at least one dimension of receivingmember 12 is initially larger, in some instances substantially larger,than a dimension of ear mold 11 (an example of such a receiving memberis depicted in FIG. 3). Then, as part of the assembly of device 40 insuch embodiments, speaker receiving plate 12 is ground down or otherwisereduced in size, so as to be flush with a surface of ear mold 11.

The size and shape of the elements of unit 10, as well as thearrangement of the elements, depicted in FIG. 1 are by way of exampleonly, for the elements may be of a different size and shape, as well asarranged in a manner different from that which is depicted in FIG. 1.Moreover, elements not depicted in FIG. 1 may be included in unit 10.For example, in one embodiment speaker fastener 14 or receiving member12 includes a retrieval line for aiding a user in retrieving and/orinserting unit 10 into and out of the user's ear canal. Furthermore,elements included in FIG. 1 may be absent from unit 10. For example, inone embodiment, at least one of the elements of completely-in-canal unit10 depicted in FIG. 1 is included as part of connector 20,behind-the-ear unit 30, and/or some portion of device 40 other thancompletely-in-canal unit 10. For instance, in some embodiments, speakerfastener 14 is part of connector 20, rather than unit 10. In addition toor in lieu of the above, in one embodiment, speaker 13 is part ofconnector 20, rather than unit 10.

In a preferred embodiment, in addition to completely-in-canal unit 10,earpiece auditory device 40 includes behind-the-ear unit 30. In apreferred embodiment, unit 30 includes processing module 33. In oneembodiment, module 33 includes housing 37 (housing 37 preferably beingmade from plastic). Furthermore, in some embodiments, module 33 includesat least one or some combination of a microphone(s), a communicationslink(s), processing circuitry (which may include sound processingcircuitry), and/or a power source. Preferably, the above describedelements of module 33 are integrated with housing 37.

Any microphone suitable for use in an earpiece auditory device may beemployed as the microphone(s) in embodiments of module 33 (e.g.,microphones available from Knowles Electronics, Inc.). Moreover, themicrophone(s) may be either omni, directional, or some combinationthereof.

In addition, the earlier mentioned processing circuitry (which, in oneembodiment, includes sound processing circuitry) may include any and allhardware, software, firmware, and/or the like, necessary for theintended operation of the earpiece auditory device. As non-limitingexamples, the processing circuitry may include an amplifier(s) (in oneembodiment, multi-channel and programmable), compressor(s), filter(s),packetizing circuitry, depacketizing circuitry, modulation circuitry,conversion circuitry, and/or the like. Such circuitry may includeanalog, programmable analog, digital circuitry, and/or a combinationthereof. In one embodiment, the processing circuitry processeselectrical (and/or other) signals that are to be provided to speaker 13,where the signals are converted to acoustic waves. In addition to or inlieu of the above, in one embodiment, the processing circuitry processeselectrical (and/or other signals) for transmission (be it wireline orwireless) to a remote device(s).

Moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the earlier mentionedcommunications link enables device 40 to communicate with a remotedevice (e.g., via wireline and/or wireless transmissions). In oneembodiment, the communications link includes a wireless input receiverfor receiving wireless transmissions (e.g., a radio frequency (RF)receiver or a magnetic induction coil), a transmitter for broadcastingwireless transmissions, and/or combinations thereof (e.g., atransceiver). These wireless transmissions may be radio RFtransmissions, optical transmissions (e.g., infrared), magneticinduction transmissions, acoustic waves (e.g., ultrasonic), capacitivecoupling transmissions, as well as other forms of wirelesscommunications. In some embodiments, the wireless receiver, transmitter,etc., of the communications link includes accompanying circuitry.

With respect to the above discussed power source, in one embodiment, thepower source of module 33 is a battery. In some embodiments, the powersource of module 33 is re-chargeable. Furthermore, in one embodiment,the power source is external to module 33 (e.g., an adapter).

Preferably, the particular element or combination of elements that isincluded as part of a particular embodiment of module 33, as well as themake up of each element, depends upon the intended use of the particularembodiment of earpiece auditory device 40. For example, when earpieceauditory device 40 is to be used to convert acoustic waves from theuser's environment into representations of the acoustic waves viaelectrical (and/or other) signals, whereby the signals are thenprocessed and provided to speaker 13 (e.g. when device 40 is to be usedas a hearing aid), module 33 preferably includes at least amicrophone(s), processing circuitry, and a power source.

An example of such an embodiment of module 33 is provided in FIG. 6A. Asillustrated, at least a portion of the interior of module 33 includes aconnector 60 for communicatively (preferably detachably) and/orphysically coupling module 33 to module fastener 31 (shown in FIG. 1)and/or connector 20. In one embodiment, such a communicative coupling isan electrical coupling. Preferably, connector 60 is communicatively(e.g., electrically) coupled to processing circuitry 61, which mayinclude sound processing circuitry. In one embodiment, processingcircuitry 61 is also communicatively coupled to microphone 62.Preferably, shuttle 33 also includes power source 63 (e.g., a battery).

In some of the above discussed embodiments, the sound processingcircuitry of processing circuitry 61 includes high gain circuitry.However, in some embodiments, the sound processing circuitry may be lowor no gain circuitry. Moreover, in some of the above embodiments, device40 may amplify some sounds, while allowing other sounds to be providedto speaker 13 without amplification. Furthermore, in one embodiment,device 40 may allow some sounds to be provided directly to the user'sear drum without first being converted into electrical (and/or other)signals (e.g., the earpiece device is an open mold configuration and/orincludes a vent(s)).

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the sound processing circuitry of module33 includes sound amplitude reduction circuitry. For example, in someembodiments, earpiece auditory device 40 may be used as an electronicearplug or other sound reduction device. In one of these embodiments,module 33 includes sound amplitude reduction circuitry whereby soundsreceived at the microphone are reduced (sometimes greatly reduced) involume before being provided to speaker 13, if such sounds are noteliminated altogether by the circuitry. Moreover, in one of these soundreduction embodiments, device 40 may reduce the volume or eliminatecertain sounds, while allowing other sounds to be provided to speaker 13or directly to the user's ear drum (e.g., the earpiece device is an openmold configuration and/or includes a vent(s)).

In embodiments where earpiece auditory device 40 is to be used in amanner wherein electrical and/or other signals are to be directlyinputted (either by wired or wireless transmissions) to device 40 and/ortransmitted by device 40 (in wired or wireless form), e.g., when used asan earphone, monitor, or IFB device, module 33 preferably includes atleast the earlier mentioned communications link, processing circuitry,and a power source. In one of these embodiments, the sound processingcircuitry included in the processing circuitry of module 33 is highgain, low gain, no gain, and/or sound reduction circuitry.

An example of such an embodiment of module 33 is provided in FIG. 6B. Asillustrated, at least a portion of the internal elements of module 33includes connector 60 for communicatively (preferably detachably) and/orphysically coupling module 33 to module fastener 31 and/or connector 20.Similar to FIG. 6A, in one embodiment, connector 60 is communicatively(e.g., electrically) coupled to processing circuitry 61, which mayinclude sound processing circuitry. However, rather than being coupledto a microphone as in FIG. 6A, circuitry 61 is communicatively coupledto communications link 64. In the illustrated embodiment, shuttle 33also includes power source 63 (e.g., a battery).

Furthermore, in embodiments where device 40 is to be used to receiveand/or transmit data or other transmissions via a wired or wirelessmeans to and/or from a remote device, e.g., a computer device (such asaudio files, MP3 files, voice streams, video streams, Internetbroadcasts, etc.) and/or a cell phone, preferably the communicationslink and/or processing circuitry of shuttle 33 is compliant with thevarious transmission formats, protocols (e.g., TCP/IP, Bluetooth),and/or interfaces necessary to receive and process the transmissions.

Moreover, in some embodiments, device 40 may be used to directly receiveand/or transmit electrical (and/or other) signals, as well as convertacoustic waves into electrical (and/or other) signals. For example, inone embodiment, device 40 may convert the user's voice and/or otheracoustic waves from the environment into electrical (and/or other)signals. Moreover, such signals may be processed and transmitted tospeaker 13. In addition, such signals may be processed and transmittedto a remote device(s) (e.g., a cell phone, an intercom system).Furthermore, device 40 may receive signals from the remote device(s). Inone of these embodiments, at least a portion of the interior of module33 resembles the embodiment of FIG. 6A with the addition ofcommunications link 64 communicatively coupled to processing circuitry61.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, in addition to module 33, behind-the-earunit 30 includes module fastener 31. In some embodiments, modulefastener 31 facilitates the coupling of module 33 to connector 20. Inone embodiment, at least a portion of module fastener 31 is made fromplastic. Moreover, module fastener 31 may be transparent, translucent,opaque, and/or a combination thereof. In FIGS. 1 and 8, for purposes ofillustration only, a portion of fastener 31 has been removed to enablethe electrical prongs of one embodiment of device 40 to be seen.

In one embodiment, when earpiece auditory device 40 is assembled,fastener 31 is securely (preferably detachably) coupled to module 33 (asshown in FIG. 7). For example, in one embodiment, fastener 31 is of sucha shape that it slips over at least a portion of module 33. Moreover, inone embodiment, fastener 31 includes one or more fastening projections(e.g, fastening projection 34) that engage one or more fastening notchesof module 33 (e.g., notch 35) when fastener 31 is slipped over module 33(thereby securing the attachment). In one of these embodiments, the oneor more fastening projections include an appendage(s) for engaging thefastening notches. In addition to or in lieu of the above, fastener 31may be coupled to module 33 by other means (e.g., screws, adhesives,and/or other fastening means). In a preferred embodiment, the couplingbetween fastener 31 and module 33 is of sufficient strength thatcompletely-in-canal unit 10 may be removed from within the user's earcanal by pulling on connector 20, without separating fastener 31 frommodule 33. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the coupling between fastener31 and module 33 is of sufficient strength that behind-the-ear unit 30may be removed from behind the user's ear by pulling on connector 20.

In some embodiments, module 33 and fastener 31 can be detached fromand/or reattached to each other. In one embodiment, this may beaccomplished by depressing a surface(s) of fastener 31 and pulling thetwo pieces apart (e.g., an embodiment where the projection(s) offastener 31 engage the notch(Es) of shuttle 33). In one embodiment,module 33 may be detached from fastener 31 by removing screws couplingthe two components together.

Furthermore, in some embodiments, module 33 is communicatively (e.g.,electrically) coupled to fastener 31. In one embodiment, thecommunicative coupling between module 33 and fastener 31 is fixed, e.g.,hard-wired. In an alternative embodiment, the communicative couplingbetween shuttle 33 and fastener 31 is detachable, e.g., the detachableprong and hole connection shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. In one embodimentwhere fastener 31 is communicatively coupled to module 33, at least aportion of fastener 31 acts as a guard to protect the communicativecoupling between fastener 31 and module 33 from one or more undesirableelements (e.g., moisture, dirt particles, etc.) that may be present inthe environment in which unit 30 is used (e.g., the embodiments of FIGS.1 and 8). Thereby, in such embodiments, fastener 31 preferablyfacilitates an insulated communicative coupling between the fastener andmodule. Moreover, in one embodiment, the projections of fastener 31 mayhelp align electrical prongs of fastener 31 with receptacle holes ofmodule 33 (or vice versa).

In addition, in some embodiments, fastener 31 includes a plurality ofholes 36 that facilitate the passage of sound through fastener 31 and/orinto module 33. In some of these embodiments, a filter 32 is includedwithin fastener 31 to prevent foreign and unwanted particles (e.g., dirtand moisture) from getting inside fastener 31 and/or passing into module33. In one embodiment, when the filter is no longer capable of providingsatisfactory protection, the filter may be replaced by separatingfastener 31 and module 33 (e.g., in the manner described above),removing the old filter from fastener 31, and placing a new filtertherein. In some embodiments, rather than being included as part offastener 31, filter 32 is part of module 33.

Preferably, module fastener 31 and/or module 33 are shaped so as tofunnel sounds into the interior of module 33. For example, in one of theembodiments where module 33 includes a microphone, module fastener 31and/or module 33 may be shaped so as to funnel sounds towards themicrophone.

Moreover, as mentioned, in a preferred embodiment, when in use,behind-the-ear unit 30 is placed behind the cartilage of the user's ear.In one embodiment, fastener 31 and/or module 33 are of such size andshape that they are invisible to the casual observer when placed behindthe cartilage of the user's ear. In addition, in some embodiments,fastener 31 and/or module 33 includes (or forms) an earhook that enablesunit 30 to sit on top of the user's ear.

As discussed, in one embodiment, module 33 and fastener 31 can besecurely fastened together. However, preferably, these individualelements can be easily detached from and reattached to each other, thusallowing for convenient assembly and disassembly, as well as replacementof any inoperative, defective, or otherwise unsatisfactory parts. Forinstance, if module 33 fails for some reason (e.g., moisture shorts theprocessing circuitry), in some embodiments, module 33 and fastener 31can be detached from each other (in one embodiment, by depressing asurface(s) of fastener 31 and pulling the two pieces apart). Areplacement module can then be selected. Afterwards, in one embodiment,fastener 31 can be coupled to the replacement module by slipping thefastener over the replacement module until the projections of fastener31 engage the notches of the replacement module

The dimensions and arrangement of the elements of behind-the-ear unit 30shown in FIG. 1 is by way of example only, as the elements may be of adifferent size and shape, as well as arranged in a manner different fromthat which is depicted in FIG. 1. In addition, elements not depicted inFIG. 1 may be included in unit 30. On the other hand, elements includedin FIG. 1 may be absent from unit 30. Furthermore, rather than beingpart of unit 30, some of the elements of unit 30 depicted in FIG. 1 mayinstead be part of connector 20, speaker module 10, or some portion ofearpiece auditory device 40 other than MRP module 30. For example, inone embodiment, fastener 31 is part of connector 20.

In addition to the above, in one embodiment, connector 20 physically(preferably detachably) couples completely-in-canal-unit 10 tobehind-the-ear unit 30. In a preferred embodiment, connector 20 includesat least one end that may be detachably physically coupled to unit 10 orunit 30. Also, in one embodiment, as part of the physical coupling ofbehind-the-ear unit 30 to completely-in-canal unit 10, connector 20communicatively (e.g., electrically) couples completely-in-canal unit 10to behind-the-ear unit 30. Moreover, in one embodiment, at least one ofthe earlier mentioned one or more ends of connector 20 that may bedetachably physically coupled to unit 10 or unit 30 may be detachablycommunicatively coupled to unit 10 or unit 30.

In some embodiments, connector 20 includes hollow tubing 21 (preferablyinsulated and made from plastic). In one of these embodiments, wirecable(s) 22 is disposed within tubing 21. Preferably, only two or threewire cables are disposed within tubing 21. However, a greater or fewernumber of wires can be disposed therein. For example, the processingcircuitry of module 33 may require a greater or lesser number of wirecables within tubing 21. In an alternative embodiment, unit 10 and unit30 are communicatively coupled via a wireless connection, and thus, wirecable(s) 22 are not present. Furthermore, as discussed earlier, in someembodiments, speaker 13, speaker fastener 14 and/or module fastener 31are part of connector 20.

Preferably, wire cable(s) is communicatively (e.g., electrically) and/orphysically coupled to speaker fastener 14 (e.g., coupling 23 of FIG. 1).The communicative and/or physical coupling between wire cable(s) 22 andspeaker fastener 14 may be fixed, such as through hard-wiring. On theother hand, the coupling between wire cable(s) 22 and speaker fastener14 may be detachable, e.g, through a detachable electrical prong andhole arrangement.

Similarly, in one embodiment, wire cable(s) 22 is communicatively (e.g.,electrically) and/or physically coupled to module fastener 31 (e.g.,coupling 24 of FIG. 1). As was the case with respect to speaker fastener14, the communicative coupling between wire cable(s) 22 and modulefastener 31 may be fixed, such as through hard-wiring. On the otherhand, the communicative coupling between wire cable(s) 22 and modulefastener 31 may be detachable, e.g, through a detachable prong and holearrangement.

In a preferred embodiment, connector 20 is of sufficient length tophysically and/or communicatively couple unit 30 to unit 10 when unit 30is placed behind-the-ear of a user and unit 10 is placed within the earcanal of a user so far as to touch the bony portion of the ear canal.Moreover, when in use, preferably a first portion of connector 20 is atleast within the ear canal of the user. In some embodiments, e.g., whenspeaker 13 and/or speaker fastener 14 are part of connector 20, similarto the manner discussed earlier with respect to unit 10, a portion ofconnector 20 is inserted within and coupled to ear mold 11 of unit 10,e.g., through receiving member 12 (e.g., the assembled portion of device40 depicted in FIG. 2). Accordingly, in one embodiment, a portion ofconnector 20, when in use, is part of an assembly that includes ear mold11 and receiving member 12 of unit 10 that may be inserted so deepwithin the user's ear canal as to touch the bony portion. Furthermore,when in use, preferably a second portion of connector 20 is locatedbehind the ear of the user (to include embodiments where fastener 31 isnot part of connector 20). In addition, preferably, the dimensions ofconnector 20 are such that those portions of connector 20 not in thebony portion or outer portion of the user's ear canal or behind theuser's ear are taut against the head of the user when device 40 is inuse. In a preferred embodiment, the dimensions of connector 20 are suchthat connector 20 is indiscernible to one casually viewing the user whendevice 40 is in use.

Accordingly, completely-in-canal unit 10, connector 20, andbehind-the-ear unit 30 may be physically and/or communicatively coupledtogether. In preferred embodiment, one or more of these couplings aredetachable, such that, unit 10 and/or unit 30 can be easily attached toand detached from connector 20 or vice versa, thus allowing forconvenient and easy assembly of auditory device 40, as well asrelatively easy replacement of any inoperative, defective, or otherwiseunsatisfactory parts.

For instance, if connector 20 is deficient for some reason (e.g., a wirehas failed and/or connector 20 is too long and thus is cosmeticallyundesirable when the device is in use), in one embodiment, the end ofconnector 20 coupled to unit 10 may be easily detached (at leastrelatively speaking) from unit 10 by pulling the pieces apart (e.g.,embodiments where connector 20 is detachably coupled to fastener 14,such as through a hole and prong arrangement). Furthermore, in oneembodiment, connector 20 may be detached from unit 30 by pulling apart adetachable coupling between connector 20 and fastener 31 (e.g., whenconnector 21 and fastener 31 are coupled via a hole and prongarrangement). In addition, an acceptable replacement connector may beselected. Afterwards, in one embodiment, one end of the replacementconnector may be coupled to unit 10 by pushing fastener 14 and connector20 together (e.g., a hole and prong coupling), while a second end of thereplacement connector may be coupled to unit 30 by pushing connector 20and fastener 31 together (e.g., a hole and prong coupling as well).

In some of the embodiments where speaker fastener 14 and/or modulefastener 31 are part of connector 20, connector 20 may be separated fromear mold 11 by depressing a portion(s) of ear mold 11, receiving member12, and/or fastener 14 and pulling fastener 14 from ear mold 11. Inembodiments where speaker 13 is part of unit 10, fastener 14 may then beremoved from unit 10 by pulling speaker 13 from fastener 14 (e.g., wherefastener) 4 and speaker 13 are coupled via a hole and prongarrangement). In addition, in one embodiment, connector 20 may beseparated from unit 30 by depressing a portion(s) of fastener 31 andpulling fastener 31 from module 33. A new connector may than be coupled(or the previous connector re-coupled) to unit 10 and/or unit 30 via oneof the earlier described means for coupling fastener 14 to speaker 13and ear mold 11 and/or coupling fastener 31 to shuttle 33.

Similar to earlier discussions, in a preferred embodiment, the couplingbetween connector 20 and unit 10 is of sufficient strength such thatunit 10 may be removed from within the user's ear canal by pulling onconnector 20. Moreover, in addition to or in lieu of the above, in oneembodiment, the coupling between connector 20 and unit 30 is ofsufficient strength such that unit 30 may be removed from behind theuser's ear by pulling on connector 20.

The size, shape, dimensions, etc., of connector 20 shown in FIG. 1 areby way of example only, as connector 20 can be of numerous sizes andshapes. In addition, elements not depicted in FIG. 1 may be included inconnector 20. For example, in one embodiment where speaker fastener 14is part of connector 20, fastener 14 includes a retrieval line foraiding a user in retrieving and/or inserting unit 10 into and out of theuser's ear canal. On the other hand, elements included in FIG. 1 may beabsent from connector 20. Moreover, as mentioned, in at least oneembodiment, connector 20 includes speaker 13, fastener 14, and/orfastener 31.

FIG. 9 depicts the embodiment of earpiece auditory device 40 shown inFIG. 1 after the embodiment of device 40 has been assembled. Again, itwill be appreciated that the elements of device 40, as well as thearrangement of these elements, depicted in 9 are by way of example only,for earpiece auditory device 40 may have several configurations.

As a non-limiting example of such, FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C depict analternative embodiment of earpiece auditory device 40. In the embodimentof FIG. 10A, similar to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, earpieceauditory device 40 includes ear mold 11, speaker receiving member 12,speaker 13 and speaker fastener 14. The earlier discussions regardingear mold 11, speaker receiving member 12, speaker 13 and speakerfastener 14 apply equally as well to the embodiments of these elementspresent in the embodiment of FIG. 10A.

Also similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1, device 40 also includesconnector 20. The above discussions regarding connector 20 also applyequally as well to connector 20 of FIG. 10A. However, in the embodimentof FIG. 10A, rather than potentially including module fastener 31,connector 20 instead includes module fastener 100. Preferably, modulefastener 100 is operable to plug into connector receptacle 120 ofprocessing module 110 (as shown in FIGS. 10B and 10C).

Processing module 110 of FIGS. 10A, 10B, and 10C is similar to module30, one difference being that module 110 does not potentially includefastener 31. Otherwise, the above discussions regarding module 30 applyequally as well to module 110.

Exemplary embodiments of at least a portion of the interior of module110 are depicted in FIGS. 11A and 11B. In the embodiment of FIG. 11A, atleast a portion of the interior of module 110 includes a connector 160(which preferably includes receptacle 120) for communicatively (e.g.,electrically) and/or physically coupling module 110 to connector 20. Inone embodiment, such a coupling(s) is detachable. Moreover, in oneembodiment, connector 160 is communicatively coupled to processingcircuitry 140 (similar to earlier discussions, such processing circuitrymay include sound processing circuitry). In the illustrate embodiment,processing circuitry 140 is communicatively coupled to microphone 130.In one embodiment, module 110 includes power source 150 (e.g., abattery).

Another exemplary embodiment of at least of a portion of the interior ofmodule 110 is depicted in FIG. 11B. Similar to FIG. 11A, in theembodiment of FIG. 11B, the internal circuitry of module 110 includesconnector 160 for communicatively (e.g., electrically) and/or physicallycoupling module 110 to connector 20. Also similar to FIG. 11A, in atleast one embodiment, connector 160 is communicatively coupled toprocessing circuitry 140 (similar to earlier discussions, suchprocessing circuitry may include sound processing circuitry). However,rather than being coupled to a microphone as in FIG. 11A, circuitry 140is communicatively coupled to communications link 170. In theillustrated embodiment, module 110 also includes power source 150 (e.g.,a battery).

Moreover, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the interior ofmodule 110 resembles the embodiment of FIG. 11A with the addition ofcommunications link 170 communicatively coupled to processing circuitry140.

In various embodiments, the earpiece auditory device of the presentinvention overcomes the difficulties associated with prior earpieceauditory devices.

With regards to the problem of bulkiness and noticeability of earlierprior art auditory devices, as previously mentioned, when in use,preferably completely-in-canal unit 10 is positioned so deep inside theear canal of a user as to touch the bony portion of the user's hearingcanal. Accordingly, the unit is indiscernible to an observer. Inaddition, in one embodiment, fastener 31 and module 33 are of aparticular size and shape such that, when placed behind the cartilage ofthe ear of a user, fastener 31 and module 33 are made invisible to anobserver by the cartilage of the user's ear. Also as mentioned, in oneembodiment, the dimensions of connector 20 are such that those portionsof connector 20 not in the bony or outer portion of the user's ear canalor behind the user's ear when device 40 is in use are taut against thehead of the user. Furthermore, in at least some of these embodiments,the dimensions of connector 20 are such that connector 20 isindiscernible to one casually viewing the user. Accordingly, in oneembodiment, when device 40 is in use, its presence will be indiscernibleto the casual observer. Therefore, the earlier problems of bulkiness andnoticeability are reduced, if not alleviated, by the present invention.

With respect to the occlusion dilemma discussed earlier, because, in oneembodiment, completely-in-canal unit 10 is inserted so deep in theuser's ear canal as to touch the bony portion, the device does not causethe patient to experience the occlusion effect. Therefore, embodimentsof the present invention reduce the occlusion effect without having toresort to vents, open mold configurations, etc. (although vents, openmolds, etc., may still be used for other purposes).

Similarly, with regards to the feedback problems occurring with someprior art auditory devices (e.g., conventional hearing aids), in someembodiments, the microphone(s) of device 40 (or equivalent device(s)) ismechanically isolated from the speaker(s) of device 40. Therefore,electroacoustic feedback is, at the very least, greatly reduced.

Accordingly, various embodiments of the present invention enable a userto have the benefit of a high-gain earpiece auditory device without theaccompanying detriment of suffering from the occlusion effect.

In addition to the above, in some embodiments, at least portions of theearpiece auditory device are protected from one or more undesirableexternal elements (such as moisture, cerumen, dirt, etc.) to whichcertain prior art devices are susceptible.

Moreover, in one embodiment, the couplings of the earpiece auditorydevice do not require significant space in order to be implemented.Accordingly, significant device space and/or other limited space inaround the user's ear need not be taken up by the couplings ofembodiments of the present invention.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the coupling(s) between the connector,the behind the ear component, and the completely-in-canal component isof sufficient strength that the completely-in-canal unit andbehind-the-ear unit may be removed from the user's ear by pulling on theconnector without any undesirable separation of the components.

Moreover, as mentioned earlier, in a preferred embodiment, one or moreportions of the earpiece auditory device may be assembled with relativeease. As a result, in one embodiment, an earpiece auditory device inaccordance with the present invention may be mass produced, while at thesame time provide a tailored fit to one or more users.

For example, rather than waiting until a particular customer has beenfitted, tested, etc., to manufacture an auditory device for thatcustomer, the manufacturer(s) of at least one embodiment of an earpieceauditory device of the present invention may instead make available oneor more mass produced components (and/or elements thereof) of anembodiment(s) of the earpiece auditory device. The user, or otherindividual, may then select from the above described components,elements, etc., those components, elements, etc., that provide the fitand functional capabilities desired by the user. The user, or otherindividual, may then assemble the device himself/herself.

To illustrate, the manufacturer(s) may make available a plurality ofbehind-the-ear units from which a behind-the-ear unit operable tofacilitate a particular user's intended use for an earpiece auditorydevice may be selected. This plurality of behind-the-ear units mayinclude units of different types, shapes, sizes (e.g., so that a usermay select a behind-the-ear unit that is of a particular size so thatthe unit is made invisible by the user's ear when placed behind theuser's ear), functional capabilities (e.g., two or more of thebehind-the-ear units may have different sound processing circuitry),etc. However, two or more of the behind-the-ear units may be of the sametype, shape, size, functional capability, etc.

The manufacturer(s) preferably may also make available a plurality ofone or more elements of a completely-in-canal unit (e.g., a plurality ofear molds and/or a plurality of speakers) and/or a plurality ofcompletely-in-canal units, from which a user, or other individual, mayselect at least one of the elements to be included in thecompletely-in-canal unit of the user's device. Similar to the earlierdiscussion, the plurality of one or more elements includes elements ofdifferent, types, shapes, sizes (e.g., multiple pre-made sizes of earmolds), functional capabilities (e.g., the plurality of one or moreelements may include two or more speakers having different speakerperformance characteristics), etc. However, similar to the abovediscussion, in one embodiment, two or more of the earlier mentionedplurality may be of the same type, shape, size, functional capability,etc. In one embodiment, the earlier mentioned plurality may includeuniversal-fit tips, such as the foam tips, slips, boots, etc., describedearlier, to provide a desired fit for the user. Furthermore, custom-madeear molds may be included as well.

In addition, in one embodiment, the manufacturer(s) may also makeavailable a plurality of connectors from which a user may select aconnector to couple (physically and/or communicatively) the selectedbehind-the-ear unit to a selected completely-in-canal component or thecompletely-in-canal unit that includes the one or more selectedelements. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the connectorsincludes at least one end operable to detachably couple (physicallyand/or communicatively) the connector to the selected behind-the-carunit or completely-in-canal unit. Similar to the above discussions, theplurality of connectors may be of different types, sizes (e.g.,different lengths), shapes, functional capabilities, etc. Moreover, twoor more of the plurality of connectors may be of the same type, size,shape, functional capability, etc. Preferably, from the plurality ofconnectors, the user may select a connector of sufficient length tocouple the selected behind-the-ear component, when placed behind theear, of the particular user, to the completely-in-canal unit, whenplaced inside the ear canal of the particular user so deep as to touchthe bony portion of the user's ear canal. In another embodiment,preferably the user may select a connector of such dimensions that whenin use, those portions of the connector not in the bony or outer portionof the user's ear canal or behind the user's ear are taut against theuser's head.

The above, units, elements, etc., may be offered on an individual basisor in combination with other elements, sizes, shapes, etc. (e.g., onepacket may contain an ear mold of a particular shape and size, whileanother packet may contain ear molds of various types, shapes and sizes,while yet another packet may contain a particular length of connector,and still another packet may contain a speaker and a connector alreadycoupled together).

As discussed earlier, the user, or other individual, may then assemblethe selected pieces together to form an earpiece auditory device fittingthe user's ear structure, as well as the user's intended use for thedevice. Accordingly, a distributor, dispenser, or the userhimself/herself, may make the initial assembly of the device, instead ofthe manufacturer. In addition, in one embodiment, the distributor,dispenser, user, etc., may tailor the device to fit the particularuser's ear structure, as well as the user's intended use for the device,by determining which combination of the pre-made elements, sizes,shapes, etc., provides an optimal fit and operation for the particularuser.

Moreover, not only is assembly made more convenient, but disassembly,re-assembly, repair, fitting, re-fitting, etc., is made convenient aswell. Preferably, as a result, the device may be repaired, etc., withoutthe need to send the device to a repair lab or return the device to themanufacturer, thereby saving the user from the earlier described hassleassociated with sending the device to the manufacturer. The same holdstrue with refitting the device to a particular user if the initial fitwas deficient in some manner. In such instances, thedistributor/dispenser and/or the user may simply experiment with thevarious pre-made sizes until the optimal fit for the user is found.

Thus, preferably the present invention saves time and money for theuser(s), the manufacturer(s), and/or the distributor(s)/dispenser(s).However, the manufacturer may still initially assemble the auditorydevices and then make the other pre-made components commerciallyavailable for repair or replacement purposes.

Another notable advantage is that, in various embodiments, the earpieceauditory device discussed above may be used in a variety ofapplications. For example, embodiments of the earpiece auditory devicemay be used in a manner similar to conventional hearing aids.

In addition, embodiments of the earpiece auditory device may be used asearphones (or similar device(s)) for such electronic devices astelevisions, radios, CD players, stereos, cell phones, computers (toinclude personal digital assistants and other processor based devices).As mentioned, in one embodiment, the earpiece auditory device mayreceive transmissions from and/or broadcast transmissions to a remotedevice(s) by wired or wireless means (e.g., radio frequency (RE) means,optical means, magnetic induction coil, etc.).

Moreover, in at least some embodiment(s), the earpiece auditory devicemay receive and/or broadcast data or other transmissions (be it viawired or wireless means) to a remote device (e.g., audio files, MP3files, voice streams, video streams, Internet broadcasts, audio e-mails,etc). The device may be complaint with the various transmission formats,protocols (to include TCP/IP, Bluetooth, etc.), and interfaces necessaryto receive and/or process such transmissions.

Embodiments of the earpiece auditory device of the present invention mayalso be used as monitors for recordings. For example, a musician, orother individual recording sounds, may hear sounds as they are beingprocessed by studio equipment through an embodiment of the presentinventions.

In addition, embodiments of the earpiece auditory device may be used asIFB devices, e.g., for newscasters, whereby audio may be provided to thenewscaster.

In addition to manipulating sound in the manner described above,embodiments of the earpiece auditory device of the present invention maybe used to decrease, muffle, or eliminate certain sounds. For example,as discussed earlier, in at least one embodiment the earpiece auditorydevice of the present invention may be used as an electronic ear plug.

FIGS. 12A-12C illustrate potentially disposable link module 1220integral with speaker module 1212, in accordance with an alternativeembodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 13A-13C illustrate universaltip module 1330 detachably interconnectable with speaker module 1212, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 14A-14Billustrate the assembly of link module 1220 and universal tip module1330 into behind-the-ear/completely-in-canal (BTE/CIC) earpiece auditorydevice embodiment 1440, including BTE processing module, for exampleprocessing module 110, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention.

Link module 1220, similar to connector 20 of FIGS. 10A-10C, at itsproximal end is detachably coupled physically and communicatively toprocessing module 110 using, for example, previously described modulefastener 100, to construct alternative BTE/CIC earpiece auditory deviceembodiment 1440. The physical size and shape of processing module 110are designed to fit discreetly and comfortably behind the user's ear. Insome embodiments, processing module 110 incorporates at least oneuser-operable switch 1450, which can control volume, change memory,and/or select the mode of operation of processing circuitry internal toprocessing module 110, for example t-coil, directional microphone,wireless communication, and the like. Embodiments of interior portionsof processing module 110 are described above in connection with FIGS.11A-11B.

Similar to connector 20, link module 1220 includes flexible tubularportion 1222, which physically and communicatively couples BTEprocessing module 110 with CIC unit 1410, functionally analogous withCIC unit 10, described above in connection with FIG. 1. Unlike connector20, the distal end of link module 1220 is permanently attached tospeaker module 1212, which at least partially encases speaker 1540(refer to FIG. 15A). In some embodiments, one end of tubular portion1222 is communicatively coupled to speaker 1540, e.g., by wiringconnections, and then encapsulated with speaker 1540 into the shell ofspeaker module 1212, e.g., using a plastic injection molding operation.The tubing material of tubular portion is typically silicone,fluorocarbon (e.g., PTFE) or similar flexible plastic material, which isattached by gluing, laser welding, or other suitable technique.Preferably speaker module 1212 is formed of a hard and rigid plasticmaterial.

In some embodiments, CIC unit 1410 includes a universal tip assembly,for example universal tip assembly 1330, incorporating conventional softumbrella tip 1320 slipped on over the tubular neck of hollow sleeve1310, as depicted in FIGS. 13A-13C. Sleeve 1310 is preferably made of asoft resilient urethane or silicone type polymer material. Umbrella tip1320 is made of a polymer material softer than that of sleeve 1310,preferably a soft silicone or alternatively a polymer foam. Universaltips or ear molds, such as umbrella tip 1320, are normally available ina range of sizes which are selectable to fit any ear canal.

In one embodiment, speaker module 1212 and sleeve 1310 are configured tobe releasably latched together. Speaker module 1212 and sleeve 1310 havesimilarly shaped cross-sections, such that speaker module 1212 isinserted into open end 1316 of sleeve 1310. Surfaces of speaker module1212 are appropriately tapered and/or radiused, such that they deformand pry apart the walls of sleeve 1310. Rigid flange 1214 of speakermodule 1212 slides over and outwardly deflects resilient strap 1314 ofsleeve 1310. After flange 1214 clears strap 1314, flange 1214 engagesslot 1312 of sleeve 1310, where it is latched securely into place byresilient strap 1314, which has elastically relaxed to its undeflectedshape and position. CIC unit 1410 incorporating universal tip assembly1330 and speaker module 1212 can then be inserted within any user's earcanal. To release sleeve 1310 from speaker module 1212, a user ordispenser pries strap 1314 outwardly using a suitable tool (e.g.,thumbnail) until it clears flange 1214, and then withdraws speakermodule 1212 from open end 1316 of sleeve 1310 (e.g., by applyingmoderate pulling force to tubular portion 1222 of link module 1220).Those skilled in the art will recognize that other releasable latchingschemes can be employed, which fall within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention.

Advantageously, in embodiments of earpiece auditory device 1440, linkmodule 1220 in its entirety including speaker module 1212 is dispenserreplaceable by the professional without needing to be returned to thefactory. Optionally, universal tip assembly 1330, which is inexpensive,can be separately dispenser or user replaceable.

FIGS. 15A-15B depict a further embodiment of CIC/BTE earpiece auditorydevice 1440, including link module 1520 incorporating custom ear mold1510 fastened by a detachable locking pin. FIGS. 15C-15F illustratedetails of detachable locking pin assembly embodiment 1550 used in linkmodule embodiment 1520. Similar to link module 1220, link module 1520includes module fastener 100, tubular portion 1522 similar to tubularportion 1222, and integrally attached speaker module 1212, which in thepresent embodiment is encapsulated together with hollow straight tube1512 aligned along the axis of speaker 1540. Speaker module 1212 can beencapsulated into a variety of sizes and shapes, but for commonality ofmanufacturing is depicted with the same size, shape, and material asdescribed in connection with FIGS. 12A-12C and 14A-14B.

Custom ear mold 1510 is made of a soft polymer material, for example anelastomer or silicone in the 3-40 durometer range, and is individuallyshaped to fit exactly within the ear canal of a particular user. In thepresent embodiment, custom ear mold 1510 is encapsulated around collar1513, which contains a clearance hole dimensioned to slide over theouter diameter of hollow straight tube 1512. Preferably custom ear mold1510 is fabricated using a form of rapid prototyping technology, forexample stereolithography (SLA). With this technology, the surface ofuser's ear canal or an ear mold cast from the user's ear is opticallyscanned, and the scan data is used to control a selective polymerizationor material removal process to replicate exactly the shape of theoriginal scanned surface. In some implementations, the scan data isdigitized, electronically stored indefinitely, and/or manipulated orprocessed as desired. In some versions a direct replica, e.g., customear mold 1510 is produced from the scan data. In other versions anegative shell or mold of acrylic or other suitable material is produceddirectly, from which custom ear mold 1510 is produced indirectly by acasting process.

To assemble CIC module 1530 of link module 1520, custom ear mold 1510containing collar 1513, slides over hollow straight tube 1512encapsulated into speaker module 1212, until custom ear mold 1510 seatsagainst speaker module 1212. Hollow detachable locking pin 1514containing flange 1515 is inserted through the open end of collar 1513and is forced into hollow straight tube 1512. Because the outsidediameter of flange 1515 is larger than the inside diameter of hollowstraight tube 1512, detachable locking pin 1514 makes an interferencefit with hollow straight tube 1512, thereby deforming the outer wall ofhollow straight tube 1512 and locking custom ear mold 1510 onto speakermodule 1212 through frictional force. CIC module 1530 containing customear mold 1510 can then be inserted within the user's ear canal. Todisassemble CIC module 1530, detachable locking pin 1514 can be priedout of hollow straight tube 1512 using a suitable tool, for example awedge, vise, or pliers. Detachable locking pin 1514, collar 1513, andhollow straight tube 1512 are preferably made of a resilient silicone orfluorocarbon (e.g., PTFE) type polymer material.

Alternatively, detachable locking pin assembly 1550 can be used tosecure a conventional universal soft umbrella tip, similar to umbrellatip 1320, onto speaker module 1212.

FIGS. 16A-16B depict an alternative earpiece auditory device, inaccordance with embodiments of the present invention, having a customear mold directly encapsulated onto link module 1620. Similar to linkmodule 1520 depicted in FIGS. 15A-15B, link module 1620 incorporatesmodule fastener 100, tubular portion 1522, and speaker module 1212encasing speaker 1540. Custom ear mold 1610 similar to custom ear mold1510 is directly encapsulated around speaker module 1212. Orifice 1612in the tip of custom ear mold 1610 provides a sound conducting passageto speaker 1540. CIC module 1630 includes custom ear mold 1610 andspeaker module 1212. The materials and fabrication technology used incustom ear mold 1610 are substantially the same as those used in customear mold 1510.

This nondetachable version is essentially a single-piece component thatincludes speaker module 1212 all the way to custom ear mold 1610.Speaker 1540 is thus completely encapsulated into a custom moldedcomponent, and accordingly would be disposable, such that if speaker1540 failed, rather than repairing that speaker, an entire exactduplicate assembly can be recreated using the electronically stored scandata file of that particular ear mold. Everything including entire linkmodule 1620 and from there downward would be replaced.

Detachability typically occurs between module fastener 100 at theproximal end of link module 1620 and BTE processing module 110. In otherwords, the complete custom version auditory device appears as atwo-piece unit to the user or dispenser: just the BTE processor 110 andlink module 1620 including integral speaker module 1212 and custom earmold 1610, versus the three-piece configuration of universal version1440.

In some embodiments, the distal end of link module 1220 or 1620 could bedetachable from the speaker module and ear mold. However, it may be morecost effective and efficient not to add the complexity and expense ofthe additional distal connector pins to couple wires that go throughthat link to the speaker, but simply to make link module 1220 or 1620disposable including integral speaker module 1212 and custom ear mold1610.

In alternative embodiments, the proximal end of link module 1220 or 1620could be nondetachably integrated with BTE processing module 110,thereby eliminating detachable module fastener 100, such that BTE/CICearpiece auditory device 1440 can be manufactured as a single-piecedisposable unit.

FIG. 17 depicts across section anatomical view of the ear canal in thetransverse plane of the head. The ear canal can be described as havingthree segments. The first segment represents the medial concha cavity1720 just behind the tragus 1721, which is relatively large and issurrounded by cartilaginous tissue 1722. The second cavity 1723, medialto the aperture 1724 of the external acoustic meastus 1711, is generallysmaller and is also surrounded by cartilaginous tissue 1722. The thirdcavity 1725 defines the final canal segment near the tympanic membrane1726 and is surrounded by dense bony tissue 1727. The tissue lining thecartlaginous region 1723 is relatively thick and has a well developedsubcutaneous layer, thus allowing some expansion to occur. In contrast,the tissue 1729 lining the bony region 1725 is relatively thin andtherefore, little or no tolerance for expansion exists in this region.

The shape of the ear canal, unlike what is shown in most artisticrenderings, is rarely cylindrical or conical with gradual narrowingtowards the tympanic membrane. Instead, most ear canals are nonuniformwith various levels of contours. Specifically, the ear canal isgenerally “S” shaped with a first bend 1730 occurring approximately atthe aperture of the ear canal and a second bend occurring at thecartilaginous-bony junction.

Many known hearing aid designs attempt to address the nonuniformity ofthe air canal. Specifically, many in-the-canal hearing aids utilizecustom fittings to provide a hearing-aid cover that conforms to theshape of an individual's air canal. The custom fitting may be achievedby taking an impression of the ear canal by a dispensing professional.The purpose of the custom fitting is to provide an acoustic seal tofacilitate improve audio performance and to prevent audio feedback.However, custom fittings are problematic. Specifically, when traversedthrough an individual's air canal which is typically non-uniform, thecustom fittings may cause discomfort or, in some cases, other moreserious complications (such as hematoma).

Representative embodiments provide an in-the-canal hearing aid designthat enables an acoustic seal and improved acoustic performance whilealso enhancing user comfort. Referring now to FIG. 18, disposablespeaker unit 1800 is shown. Disposable speaker unit 1800 includesspeaker housing 1801 which encloses the electronic components thatgenerate audio signals for the user. Speaker housing 1801 mayadvantageously possess a tubular portion that possess a diameter that isless than the diameter that a user's air canal. Specifically, thediameter of speaker housing 1801 is preferably less than the diameter ofthe air canal through the first and second segments of the air canal asshown in FIG. 17. Speaker housing 1801 further comprises arcuate raisedridge 1802 to facilitate retention of a cushion tip as will be discussedin greater detail below. Disposable speaker unit 1800 further includeswire portion 1803 and prongs 1804 to receive an electrical signal todrive the electronic components within speaker housing 1801. Prongs 1804may advantageously facilitate a detachable electrical and mechanicalconnection to an audio processing module.

FIG. 19 depicts cushion tip 1900 that may be used to enhance usercomfort according to representative embodiments. Cushion tip 1900 may befabricated utilizing a suitable polymer material, silicone material,and/or the like. Cushion tip 1900 may be deformable and deflectable.Cushion tip 1900 includes empty tubular portion 1901 that receivesspeaker housing 1801. Tubular portion 1901 may be advantageously longerthan speaker housing 1801. By implementing tubular portion 1901 andspeaker housing 1801 in this manner, cushion tip 1900 may provide adegree of “play” that enhances user comfort when speaker housing 1801 istraversed through the user's ear. Cushion tip 1900 is further adapted toprevent housing unit 1801 from being pushed through the aperture ofcushion tip 1900 during traversal through a user's ear canal. As shownin FIG. 19, cushion tip 1900 possesses sufficient structural rigidity byincluding reduced diameter 1902 to prevent speaker housing 1801 frombeing pushed through the aperture. Further, cushion tip 1900 preventsseparation from speaker housing 1801 by applying an elastic force onarcuate raised ridge 1802 of speaker housing 1801 when speaker housing1801 is removed from the user's ear canal.

As shown in FIG. 20, housing unit 1801 and cushion tip 1900 are shown tobe inserted into the ear canal. Speaker housing 1801 and cushion tip1900 are between the second and third segments of the ear canal (seediscussion of FIG. 17). Accordingly, these components are disposed at abend in the ear canal. Ordinary in-the-canal designs could cause userdiscomfort at this point because of the relatively rigid nature of thecustom-fitted housing. However, representative embodiments enablecushion tip 1900 to deflect during traversal through the ear canal. Thedeflection acts to guide speaker housing 1801 through the canal withoutcausing substantial impact of the rigid plastic housing to impact theuser's canal. Also, when speaker housing 1801 is placed at its restingposition (e.g., just within bony region 1725), cushion tip 1900facilitates an acoustic seal thereby improving the listening experienceof the user.

Although the present invention and its advantages have been described indetail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions andalterations can be made herein without departing from the invention asdefined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the presentapplication is not intended to be limited to the particular embodimentsof the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means,methods and steps described in the specification. As one will readilyappreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture,compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing orlater to be developed that perform substantially the same function orachieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodimentsdescribed herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the appended claims areintended to include within their scope such processes, machines,manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

1-25. (canceled)
 26. A connector and speaker link for a hybrid auditorydevice comprising: a speaker module a speaker that generates audiosignals from an electrical driving signal, the speaker having a diameterthat is smaller than the canal, thereby allowing the speaker to beinserted into the ear canal of the user; and a connector having aproximal end and a distal end, the distal end physically andelectrically connected to the speaker module, wherein the connector hasat least three portions, a first portion adjacent to the proximal end ofthe connector that is shaped to fit over the ear of a user, a secondportion adjacent to the distal end of the user that has sufficientlength to place the speaker module at least partially past a first bendin the ear canal of the user, and a third portion, between the firstportion and second portion, that is shaped to place at least a portionof the third portion taut against the head of the user when in theauditory device is being worn by the user.
 27. The connector and speakerlink of claim 26 further comprising a cushion tip attached to thespeaker module.
 28. The connector and speaker link of claim 26 furthercomprising an ear-mold attached to the speaker module.
 29. The connectorand speaker link of claim 26 wherein the proximal end of the connectorconnects to a behind-the-ear sound processing device.
 30. The connectorand speaker link of claim 27 wherein the cushion tip is an umbrella tip.31. The connector and speaker link of claim 27 wherein the cushion tipis an open fit tip.
 32. The connector and speaker link of claim 27wherein the speaker module is designed to reduce the occlusion effect.33. The connector and speaker line of claim 27 wherein the speakermodule is fit in the ear canal such that the cushion tip touches thebony portion of the ear canal
 34. The connector and speaker line ofclaim 28 wherein the speaker module is fit in the ear canal such thatthe ear mold touches the bony portion of the ear canal
 35. The connectorand speaker link of claim 26 wherein at least a portion of the connectorcan be used to insert or remove the speaker module from the ear canal ofthe user.
 36. A connector and speaker link for a hybrid auditory devicecomprising: a speaker module a speaker that generates audio signals froman electrical driving signal, the speaker having a diameter that issmaller than the canal, thereby allowing the speaker to be inserted intothe ear canal of the user; and a connector having a proximal end and adistal end, the distal end physically and electrically connected to thespeaker module, wherein the connector has at least two bends, the firstbend adjacent to the proximal end of the connector and shaped to fitover the ear of a user, the second bend near the distal end of the usersuch that the speaker module is placed at least partially past a firstbend in the ear canal of the user, wherein the first bend and the secondbend also act to place a portion of the connector between the first bendand second bend taut against the head of the user when in the auditorydevice is being worn by the user.
 37. The connector and speaker link ofclaim 36 further comprising a cushion tip attached to the speakermodule.
 38. The connector and speaker link of claim 36 wherein at leasta portion of the connector can be used to insert or remove the speakermodule from the ear canal of the user.
 39. The connector and speakerlink of claim 36 wherein the proximal end of the connector connects to abehind-the-ear sound processing device.
 40. The connector and speakerlink of claim 37 wherein the cushion tip is an umbrella tip.
 41. Theconnector and speaker link of claim 37 wherein the cushion tip is anopen fit tip.
 42. The connector and speaker link of claim 37 wherein thespeaker module is designed to minimize the occlusion effect.
 43. Aspeaker link for use with a behind the ear component, the speaker linkcomprising: a speaker module, the speaker module including a speakerthat generates audio signals from an electrical driving signal, saidspeaker having a diameter that is smaller than the ear canal, therebyallowing the speaker to be inserted into the ear canal of the user,wherein the speaker module has a proximal end connected to a wireproviding an electrical signal to the speaker and the speaker module isinserted into the ear canal of the user past the first bend of theuser's ear canal, such that the proximal end is completely in the earcanal of the user; a tip composed of a deformable material, the tipattached to the speaker module; and a connector having a proximal endand a distal end, the distal end physically and electrically connectedto the speaker module, wherein the connector has at least two bends, thefirst bend adjacent to the proximal end of the connector and shaped tofit over the ear of a user, the second bend near the distal end of theuser such that the speaker module is placed at least partially past afirst bend in the ear canal of the user, wherein the first bend and thesecond bend also act to place the portion of the connector between thefirst bend and second bend taut against the head of the user when in theauditory device is being worn by the user.
 44. The speaker link of claim43 wherein the deformable material forming the tip is a polymermaterial.
 45. The speaker link of claim 43 wherein the deformablematerial forming the tip is a silicone material.
 46. The speaker link ofclaim 43 wherein the tip is sized to substantially seal the ear canalwhen inserted therein.
 47. The speaker link of claim 43 wherein the tipdoes not seal the ear canal.
 48. The speaker link of claim 43 whereinthe connector has sufficient length between the second bend and thedistal end to place the speaker module in the cartilaginous portion ofthe ear canal.
 49. The speaker link of claim 43 wherein the tip iscontacts the inner surface of the ear canal to provide resistance to thespeaker module slipping out of the ear canal.